Problem gambling (definition and signs)
Problem gambling is gambling that harms a person or their family. How the terms problem gambling and gambling disorder differ, and where to get help.
On this page
Problem gambling is gambling behaviour that is damaging to a person or their family. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) uses this wording and says it often disrupts daily life and work. It covers a wide range, from gambling that has started to cause money or relationship strain to the most serious cases.
Problem gambling, gambling addiction and gambling disorder
The three phrases overlap, and they are used differently by different groups.
| Term | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Problem gambling | The broad, everyday term for gambling that causes harm. Also what NCPG calls it |
| Gambling addiction | A common informal label for the same pattern, often used by people in recovery and by support services |
| Gambling disorder | A recognised mental health diagnosis, made by a qualified professional |
The American Psychiatric Association describes gambling disorder as a repeated pattern of problem gambling that continues despite significant problems for the person, their family and others. Whether someone meets a formal diagnosis is for a clinician, not a web page, to decide.
Warning signs
Common signs listed by support organisations include gambling for longer or with more than planned, chasing losses, hiding gambling from others, borrowing or selling things to gamble, and feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut back. One sign alone does not mean there is a problem, but several, or a pattern that is growing, are a reason to talk to someone. See Chasing losses (definition and maths) for one of the clearest.
Harm is not measured by the amount staked. A person on a small budget can be harmed if the money was needed elsewhere, and time or distress can matter as much as money.
Common misconceptions
- "Only people who gamble every day have a problem." Frequency is not the test; harm is.
- "It is a lack of willpower." It is widely recognised as a mental health condition, and treatment and peer support work for many people.
- "Gambling with virtual coins cannot cause harm." Money harm is absent in free play, but time spent, distress and spending on purchases can still become a problem.
If you want to take a break from play, tools exist. See Self-exclusion (gambling definition) and Cooling-off period (gambling definition). Cashout Arcade is a free-to-play casino-style app. It is not a treatment, and playing casino-style games is not recommended while you are recovering from gambling problems.
Sources
- National Council on Problem Gambling, Gambling Help FAQ (accessed October 27, 2026)
- American Psychiatric Association, What is gambling disorder? (accessed October 27, 2026)